Digital Bulletin - September 19, 2021
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The Community Gathers...
Prelude
Rev. Jerry Asheim
Introit: "Be Still My Soul"
Rev. Jerry Asheim & Melani Gantes
Welcome & A Covenant of Grace
Rev. Kristin Stoneking, Rev. Jerry Asheim, Judy Kriege
Prayer for Illumination
Jordan Jerrels & Dianne Rush Woods
Opening Music: "More Love" (comp. Sid Davis)
Judy Kriege
To Hear the Word...
Scripture Reading: Ruth 1:6-22
Jordan Jerrels & Dianne Rush Woods
Children's Message
Susan Jardin
Call to Confession - Rev. Kristin Stonekine
When we gather together we are quick to wave and say hello, to pass the peace,
to comment on the weather, to make small talk and show hospitality;
but how often do we go below the surface?
How often do we sit next to the same people, week after week,
oblivious to the things they might be carrying?
Family of faith, I believe God wants deeper connection for us than that,
so listen now to our prayer of confession and then join me in silent prayer following.
Let us listen. Let us pray:
Prayer of Confession - Jordan Jerrels & Dianne Rush Woods
Voice 1: I’ve been meaning to ask…
Voice 2: How are you?
What has your year been like?
Did you know that I have been thinking of you?
Voice 1: I have been meaning to ask…
Voice 2: Is your mom okay?
Did your sister find a job?
Did you ever think we’d still be here?
Voice 1: I’ve been meaning to ask…
Voice 2: Did it get easier?
Did the grief subside?
Were you ever able to sleep at night?
Voice 1: I’ve been meaning to ask but I haven’t—
Voice 2: Because it’s hard.
Because I want to say the right thing.
Because I’m not sure what you need.
Voice 1: I’ve been meaning to ask, so I’m sorry for my silence.
Voice 2: Forgive me. Show me where it hurts.
Voice 1: Let’s start again.
Voice 2: Family of faith, we could all use some practice in asking where it hurts.
Take a moment of silent prayer to think of the people in your world,
in your lives, who may need you to reach out and ask. Give their names to God.
Pause for silent prayer.
Voice 1: Trusting that God hears all things, we say together: Amen.
Words of Forgiveness - Rev. Kristin Stoneking
Family of faith,
in the journey to love and care for one another,
we are bound to make mistakes.
Fortunately for us, we worship a God who showed us how to love,
and who extends grace to us when we fail to do so for others.
So hear and believe the good news of the gospel:
We are seen. We are heard. We are loved. We are forgiven.
Thanks be to God for this endless grace. Amen.
*Affirming the Peace Among Us
You are invited to turn to the people around you and bow to each other as a sign of graceful greetings this day.
Anthem: "World Without Tears" (Lucinda Williams)
Judy Kriege, Alice Templeton, Dianne Rush Woods
Gospel Reading: Mark 5:21-43
Dianne Rush Woods
Message: "Where Does It Hurt?"
Rev. Kristin Stoneking
